298 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



cases where a pair or trio are not obtainable, the Houdan makes 

 a valuable cross with any of the large breeds. 



The Plymouth Rock is a fine bird, which seems to be growing 

 in favor. Whether the breed is a well-established one remains 

 to be proved. The Partridge Cochins, light and dark Brahmas, 

 need no commendation from us. They speak for themselves. 

 The verdict of the American people seems to be strongly in 

 favor of these noble breeds, and for those who wish to make a 

 specialty of raising- pure bloods for sale, these promise the most 

 remunerative returns. 



In closing this part of our report, we desire to tender our 

 thanks to the many patrons of our department for their noble 

 contributions. It would be gratifying, if time and space per- 

 mitted us, to mention in detail many of these which were espe- 

 cially creditable. The large number of contributions prevents 

 us from attempting it, and to do it partially would be an invid- 

 ious task. 



Edmund Rodman, Chairman. 



PLYMOUTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 

 We think that the accommodations for poultry might be im- 

 proved so as to benefit the fowls, the committees, the exhibitors, 

 the visitors and the society. There is not room enough under 

 the shed for all the coops ; the roof is not wide enough to screen 

 the fowls from the sun, which is sometimes very annoying, or to 

 keep out a driving rain ; or tight enough to prevent water 

 running through and soaking the birds unfortunately placed in 

 coops with open tops, as I observed last year. There being a 

 want of room, some coops are placed on the ground, — a great 

 disadvantage, -for when there is a crowd of visitors, they might 

 about as well remain at home for all chance of being seen. The 

 other extreme is about as bad : placing coops in the highest part 

 of the shed prevents all but very tall people from seeing the 

 birds to advantage. The arrangement of the coops is a matter 

 of importance. Having the fowls of each class placed together 

 greatly facilitates the labors of committees, and is much more 

 convenient and pleasant for visitors than having them scattered 

 about. Two persons to receive the fowls as they are brought in, 



